Election field is clear for Stoffa

Dropout of GOP challenger could leave incumbent Norco executive without a rival.

June 19, 2009|By Matt Assad OF THE MORNING CALL

The Republican candidate for Northampton County executive, J.C. Kelleher, withdrew from the race Thursday, and that means incumbent Democrat John Stoffa may not have a GOP challenger in the November election.

Yet, county Republican Chairman Roy Shuman seems just fine with that.

"The Republican Party is not terribly upset with John Stoffa; we just didn't want Ann McHale," Shuman said, referring to County Council President Ann McHale, who lost to Stoffa in the May 19 primary. "If a Republican candidate steps forward, we'll help them, but I don't feel the need to go looking for one."

Shuman said he will focus more on the council races, where five Republicans and five Democrats will face off for five seats.

After running unopposed in the primary, Kelleher, 43, of Northampton withdrew from the race, citing a family illness and other private family issues. Kelleher, a former WFMZ 69 television traffic reporter now working as a computer consultant, is a newcomer who said this does not end his political career.

"It's really important that these family issues take precedence right now," Kelleher said. "But I'll be back. I had a lot of support from people, and I think I'll be able to make a difference in the future."

The Republican Party has until Sept. 14 to appoint someone to take Kelleher's place on the ballot, but whether that will happen remains in question.

Stoffa has had a close working relationship with council Republicans Ron Angle and John Cusick, and has even appointed a few Republicans to his Cabinet. While Republicans seem happy with the job Stoffa has done in his first term, his own party broke tradition and endorsed McHale in the primary.

"Isn't that the irony of ironies?" Stoffa joked.

Actually, Stoffa seemed more disappointed with Kelleher's withdrawal than the Republican Party. Living in Northampton just a few blocks from Kelleher, Stoffa said he offered to buy his opponent a beer to kick off a friendly campaign.

"He's smart and charming and I kind of liked him. I'm sorry to see he's withdrawn," Stoffa said. "I'm still going to have that Yuengling with him."